TALE OF AN ADOBE HOUSE
From 1993 to 1997, Mr Jon saved enough money to achieve his next goal of having his own house where he could live and grow vegetables. In 1997, he was invited by a friend to visit New Mexico in the United States, where he was inspired by the simplicity of adobe houses.
He asked people how to build an adobe house. From that point, he knew that it is what he wanted to do. He learned more about the technique before returning to Thailand.
He went to Chiang Mai, where he found a 20-rai plot of land in Mae Taeng district, about 60km from the main city. The land was situated in the middle of the jungle with a small hill. He knew right away that it was a perfect location to build an adobe house and grow vegetables in a cooler climate.
Mr Jon bought the land and moved his whole family there. He started building an adobe house the way he had learned in the US. He dug up soil and slowly formed the wall of his house. It took him six months to complete the construction of a small but very strong house.
"Many people take 30 years to pay off a house loan before they can actually own one. But it took only six months for me to complete one house and I have the rest of my life to enjoy being in my own house," he said proudly.